Jatiya Chhatra Shakti protests Assam evictions, mosque demolitions

Jatiya Chhatra Shakti staged a protest and human chain at Dhaka University on Friday, condemning the eviction of Bengali Muslims from their homes and the demolition of mosques in Assam, India.

The protesters urged the Bangladesh government to take a stronger diplomatic stance against the alleged persecution of minorities and attempts to push Muslims into Bangladesh by labelling them Bangladeshis.

Organised under the supervision of the organisation’s central committee, the programme was held at the foot of the Raju sculpture on the DU campus.

Speaking at the event, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti General Secretary Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury accused India of failing to protect minorities while lecturing others on secularism.

He alleged that India was pursuing policies resembling Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and urged Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take a firm stand against alleged cross-border push-ins and the persecution of Muslims.

Hasibul Islam, president of the organisation’s DU unit, called for the protection of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and lower-caste Hindus in India from what he described as radical Hindutva influence.

Referring to Assam, he alleged that the demolition of Muslim homes and mosques was part of an attempt to push Indian Muslims into Bangladesh. He warned of serious consequences if the Indian government failed to protect citizens’ security and fundamental rights.

Hasibul also urged young people, particularly Generation Z, to protest against what he called discriminatory government policies and raise awareness of minority rights.

Other speakers condemned the alleged persecution of minorities, ethnic oppression and the denial of political rights in India. They also called on Bangladesh to publicly condemn the alleged abuses and pursue stronger diplomatic efforts to prevent cross-border push-ins.

Ferdous Ayyam, also known as Rayyan, general secretary of the DU unit, moderated the programme. Zahir Raihan Ripon, organising secretary of the DU unit, and Naeem Abedin, president of the Dhaka Metropolitan South unit, also spoke.

Leaders and activists from the organisation’s central committee, DU unit and Dhaka Metropolitan South unit attended the protest.